How early lead exposure may shape Alzheimer’s-related brain changes
Official title: Mechanisms of gene-environment interaction in developmental lead exposure leading to Alzheimer's disease phenotypes
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11381096 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether exposure to lead in early life can cause brain changes that resemble Alzheimer’s disease later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $750,493 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS130722-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381096 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals or populations with known developmental exposure histories to heavy metals, or researchers could translate findings to at-risk patient groups in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Results may not directly benefit people without Alzheimer’s risk factors or those not exposed to lead in development.
What this research studies
Scientists at Purdue University are studying how exposure to lead during development could trigger lasting changes in brain signaling. They will examine how early lead exposure might alter epigenetic regulation and the expression of glutamate receptors, which are important for synaptic communication. The research also explores how a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s (SORL1) may interact with lead exposure to speed up brain changes and endosomal trafficking problems that resemble Alzheimer’s pathology. The study uses models to connect environmental exposure, genetic risk, and Alzheimer’s-like features.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve understanding of how early-life exposures contribute to Alzheimer’s risk and point to potential prevention or intervention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests that environmental factors and genetic risk can interact to influence Alzheimer’s-like changes, but this specific GxE mechanism involving lead and SORL1 is being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freeman, Jennifer L. — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Freeman, Jennifer L.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.